This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I don’t think it will be the last. Loved the angst and UST. Well done. :)

Thank you Harlequin - Carina Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 Stars so rounding up

I’m a huge fan of Ms. Albert…she’s one of the few author’s I’ll even read a closet/hidden relationship book. I totally understand their need to keep this quiet but I don’t typically like the inevitable hurt that comes along with hiding. I like the unique way Dustin and Wes meet and continue their ‘relationship’. And I really like how it grows as they get closer.

I’ve been waiting for Dustin’s story. He’s intrigued me for a while. He’s going through some self-discovery…or admitting he’s not quite what he’s always admitted. He’s not as straight as he’s led folks to believe…and he likes things he’s not comfortable admitting to liking. He’s adorable (if you can say that about a big, bad XO) and needy (even though he’s never realized how much he needs). Dustin is in a terrible position and I hate the circumstances of their need to hide. However, I love how he gets out of that situation…when he figures out what he wants to do he just does it and doesn’t make us wait.

Wes is a sweet southern boy that is close to his family and friends. He’s not thrilled with being transferred and even less so when he finds out he knows his XO. He’s so good with Dustin (until he tries to be a jerk and then I don’t like him for a minute).

Wes and Dustin’s chemistry – both emotional and sexual – is off the charts and they are so good for each other. I love how Wes helps Dustin embrace what he likes and that he recognizes Dustin’s needs. I hope we see more from them…while this story ends just fine I don’t feel like they’re done. Honest to God I need more of them. I want to see them together when they’re free to be open. They are amazing together when they have to hide and I know that would just get better when they don’t have that hanging over them. I want to see what happens next and I’d love to see their relationship grow as they explore more of their lifestyle.

Definite must read…and you could probably read this as a standalone but you might as well read the rest of the series as the previous books are just as good as this one. Can’t wait for the next book in the series (and hopefully more from these two)!

Reviews shared on V's Reads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads: https://vsreads.com/2017/11/08/forbidden-fraternization-in-wheels-up-a-review/

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss has known for a long time that he’s attracted to men. He’s never been with a man, though he knows his family likely won’t be too upset if he were to come out–his younger brother Dylan is about to marry Dustin’s best friend Apollo–you may remember them from book two AT ATTENTION. Still, Dustin’s father has been fixated on Dustin marrying a woman and having kids, neither of which truly appeals. The idea of remaining a lone appeals even less–all his friends are coupled up and Dustin feels very much like a third wheel. Not only is he nervous about his sexuality, he’s ashamed that he’s really turned on by submission. Yet, he’s found a cyber pal via the Joe4Joe app that has filled his long lonely nights with exactly the kind of interactions that push his buttons.

They meet one night when Dustin is visiting the DC area. And it’s the best night of Dustin’s adult life. He and Wes really get along, and their sex is amazeballs–for each. Wes is especially adept at getting into Dustin’s headspace and working through his insecurities. Neither Wes nor Dustin has confided that they are SEALs, and they expect this is only one night. Until Petty Officer Wes Lowe is shipped out to Coronado to fill the demolitions expert position open on Dustin’s 16 man team, of which he’s the second in command.

Now, Wes is under Dustin’s direct command, and it’s wholly awkward. Not to mention completely prohibited. If anyone discovers that they’ve been intimate both Dustin and Wes could be subject to court martial.

They know this. And yet their connection is so strong, so necessary. Wes has a stressful life, constantly awaiting for bad news about his young sister’s failing heart. He’s plagued by insomnia, and finds comfort in his time with Dustin–virtual or in person. Wes is also the only person with whom Dustin can be his whole self, gay and kinky, and feel safe. No matter how many times they say they need to stop, they just can’t quit one another. And, they want more. They want the whole package of companionship and comfort–not just sex. It’s quite telling that neither of them really sought out partners before, and would remain celibate before looking for a suitable partner.

In the course of duty, Dustin and Wes both know their connection is too strong to be healthy, or safe. Dustin feels as if he’s constantly distracted, and this adds to his general dissatisfaction with his commission. He doesn’t get along with his commanding officer, and he’s less and less enthused with command. He’s got friends who’ve left the service, and are all the happier. Could he be? Would he and Wes be able to make a true life together if Dustin made this choice?

This was a really compassionate and bittersweet look into this complex world of military rules and regs. Both Dustin and Wes are great guys who want to be loved for who they are, and have the joy of open companionship. They have real struggles, and it’s heartbreaking to see them leave each other time and time again believing this is the “last time” or “never again.” I found myself wanting to yell at the book, tell the navy to make things better, dang it! And that was telling, for me, how very invested I got into these guys and their developing love story. The end is quiet, but lovely. No giant grand gestures here, because doing so could upset the very complex plan they have in place for eventual forever love. Their patience and understanding was enormous, and I found that to be engaging too. Likewise, their considerate treatment in the steamy bits–the vulnerability and the dirtiness were magic together, and I loved how in-tune both Dustin and Wes were with their needs, and those of the other. It’s a book I won’t soon forget.

*3.5 stars*

I love everything Annabeth Albert writes, and this book was another good one in the Out of Uniform series. However, though I really enjoyed it, the drama got a little exhausting for me near the end of the story.

I love, love, love certain dynamics in M/M, and a big muscle guy who likes to bottom has to be one of them. (Yes, I know I'm opening this review with sex... I can't help it!) Annabeth Albert got it just right with the shy, huge Navy Seal who likes to be dominated. Me likey!! The sex was just super hot, but I wished that they got to push the kink even further! (Psst- write some daddy kink, Annabeth!!)

The two MCs have lots of difficulties getting their relationship up and running. They have the very real fears about being discovered and breaking fraternizing rules, and there is one of the MCs closeted status to take into account. I didn't love the push and pull, and though it is, I'm sure, reality for some military men, I had a difficult time reading some of it. The back and forth also reminded me a bit of a recent L.A. Witt book that I've read and struggled with, so that wasn't a great thing either.

However, aside from those issues, I found the story to be really compelling, even if there was piles of drama with the MCs' friends and family alongside their own personal drama. I wish they had more time together to let their relationship grow, but I still enjoyed the book overall.

It is interesting that right before reviewing this book I read Tender with a Twist, also by Annabeth Albert, that I liked a whole lot more. It actually made me downgrade my rating for this one, on reflection, because I saw the kinky, kinky potential of this author.

I'll still read anything in the Out of Uniform series and ANYTHING by Annabeth Albert. She truly never steers me wrong.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

First of all! That COVER! <3 <3 <3 OMG I am in LOVE with this cover!

I love the set up for this - two men, both SEALs, find each other on a dating/hook up app, but things quickly start to become more for both of them. They meet for the first time, and it's even more insane chemistry when they are together in person. So what's going to happen? Naturally, they find out they are now stationed together and have to work together - and they are NOT allowed to have a relationship, they can't even be friends!

While I think that Maddox and Ben from On Point might still be my OTP couple in this series, I adored Dustin and Wes and my heart broke for everything they were going through - having to keep anything as basic as friendship a secret, Wes and his sister's heart transplant, and just all the feels when they start to realize this is LOVE, not just a hook up, but they can't be together. There are lots of feels in this book, folks, lots of hurt/comfort, and an emotional journey as Dustin and Wes find out how to be with each other.

I love Annabeth's writing, I adore this series and I loved these guys. And also? WHEW, they were crazy hot together in bed! Hello to a bit of kink, a lot of communication, I just loved it. And I loved Dustin's struggle with his bisexuality and how to tell friends and family and be happy.

I do somewhat agree with another reviewer who said that it was tough to constantly read about them getting together, even talking, and then being like, "no, this has to be the final time," and "we can't be together again" before calling each other again. It was that way for a large chunk of the book, and it did get a bit...frustrating?

Can't wait for the next book and more of these guys, I just love them!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While I liked the set-up of the story, I found it difficult to focus on the book after that initial meeting between the two. I thought that the “voices” of the two men were just really similar, and so I had to keep pausing to remember who was who.

Also, I found myself annoyed by Dustin’s angst over coming out, given that his family had already accepted his younger gay brother. It just seemed like he was putting himself through unnecessary stress.

But I’m a sucker for a good coworkers-to-lovers story, especially when there’s a forbidden element, so it didn’t take me too long to become invested in Wes and Dustin’s tale.

Though they know it breaks every rule, Dustin and Wes just can’t stay away from each other. And it’s not just the physical attraction that keeps pulling them back together.

After months of chatting online, the two became each other’s best friend. For Dustin, Wes is the safety and acceptance he’s spent years looking for. And for Wes, Dustin gives him the calm and quiet he needs.

They’re perfectly matched for each other.

Eventually, the ish hits the fan, forcing the two men to figure out what they’re willing to give up to be together. I thought the resolution was very sweet, with the appropriate grand gestures and a perfect HEA.

While it took me awhile to get into this book, I ended up enjoying Dustin and Wes’ love story!

Dustin is a lieutenant and XO of a SEAL team.  He's also heavily guarded his deepest secret of being a bisexual from everybody for years.  Outside of using a hookup app called Joe4Joe, he keeps on the straight and narrow.  When his recent buddy he has been chatting up recommends meeting, Dustin is both excited and scared.

Wes is an openly gay man. He is also active on the Joe4Joe app and is talking continually with Dustin-but both use screen names to keep anonymous.  When he meets Dustin for a weekend after chatting for months, he knows it did not satisfy his growing need for the hunky man.  After an unexpected transfer sends him into Dustin's world, things get murky-fast.

Wes shows up to his new SEAL assignment to find Dustin is his immediate commander of his new SEAL team.  They have to keep their feelings buried. Not only is it a shock to be close together, but given the difference in rank, it is a major blow.  The Navy's no fraternization rules are serious and neither wants to jeopardize their careers, but it gets increasingly hard to stay away too.  As they navigate their budding yet-to-name relationship, how can they be together given the rules.

Wheels Up! is book four in Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series and it was an awesome story to read.  These two had some serious chemistry! They fell slowly and sweetly for each other and it was very endearing! Neither expected their feelings and were almost surprised when they realized they were all in.  Yes, there were a lot of serious rules they knew they were breaking, and it could have been a disaster.  I am glad they were able to navigate a way to finally be together.  I definitely would have liked an epilogue to see some of what they waited so long for!  I also loved seeing some of the other series characters pop up here and see how happy they still are! 

I have read a lot of Annabeth's books and she does an phenomenal job of writing great M/M stories. All of her series are worth reading, but the Out of Uniform series holds a special place in my heart!!

I'm still wearing a WTF face after finishing Wheels Up. And not for the reasons you might think.

This is my favorite of the Out of Uniform series (so far). So...what's the face for?

See, I wasn't expecting it. Hence me being perplexed at how much I enjoyed this story and leading men. I didn't think any character would have knocked Dylan off of my pedestal of #1.

I couldn't get into it in the beginning. I liked the set up people who have a connection online who finally take a chance and meet in real life. But something about the beginning, had me going through the motions. I continued and then somewhere in the middle it finally clicked, I really liked the MC's.

Standalone Wheels Up features Dustin, the older brother of At Attention's lead Dylan, is a 32 year old lieutenant who is coming to terms with his sexuality and finally admitting to himself that he is bisexual. He's still figuring things out with himself and not sharing with anyone including his best friend or brother. He worked himself up to seeking someone to jerk off with on a gay military app. And he ends up befriending a guy. Other than sharing aliases, neither one share what department of the armed forces they serve in. They just bond through shared kinks and form something more than a jerk off buddy. After months of interations and cyber hookups, they meet. And the chemistry they share only blossoms. But it was supposed to be a one night stand.

Until Dustin's jerk off pal becomes his subordinate the next month due to a transfer. Younger, semi out Petty Officer Wes is a shock to Dustin's system. And it's a shock for Wes himself. Wes has his own shit to deal with as he has a sick sibling that rocks him to his core. The camaraderie with Dustin, though it is forbidden the moment he became Dustin's subordinate, helps get Wes through the day.

The bond between both men is present from the beginning hookup to the San Diego naval base. And reading them try to fight and deny it is what finally pulled me in.

The sexual chemistry is undeniable. Dustin's 6' 4" and a walking and talking SEAL poster boy. But in the bedroom, he's submissive with a penchant for ass play. And has a problem coming to terms with needing to have someone dominating him. Wes fills that role perfectly. Wes is a sexy care taking dominant (my fave!) The kink is mild D/s with some bondage. If kink isn't your fave to read, I think it is light enough to be tolerated.

The sex was not on every page though it starts off as a sexual relationship. It was a slow build into something more and each sexual contact has an emotional aspect that I dug, each act meaningful since they have to go through some many hoops to keep their secret.

There is some angst, Dustin dealing with his bisexuality and his perception of what his family and friends will think, he's lived the lie as a ladies man for so long it's all he knows. and Wes has his family crisis to deal with. The forbidden love just added another layer on a difficult setup.

But it worked.

And somewhere around 50-60%, I was all in and invested on seeing how these would ever get a chance to be together. I loved the angsty moments so much.

The ending is perfect for the main characters, not overly sweet and schmoop without consequences. It's realistic and they both have to put in work for it. You can give me any romance where their HEA isn't handed to them on a silver platter and you will have one enthralled reader on your hands.

As I was with Wheels Up.

Recommended to fans of loners who finally get their chance at a HEA, sexual exploration, and military men!

I’ve been enjoying this series a lot, and Wheels Up is a nice add to it. While it’s not my favorite, for a couple of reasons, it’s a really good addition.

Let me just get to the things I had difficulty with first…

This story is full of high tension and angst. While tension is good, hight tension for almost the entirety of the book, is not. I felt like I was constantly waiting for Dustin and Wes to get caught. It’s very clear that the relationship they have is forbidden, just as the blurb indicates. This is no joke in the military, and I think I understand the reasons. So when I read a book that has been waiting for that moment to hit, that single time when someone slips, it’s pretty stressful. I love me some tension, but this was simply torture.

I also felt like I was missing parts of each character. With Wes I feel like I had a handle on what he was dealing with regarding his family struggles, but when it came to his insecurities at times in the bedroom, I was left puzzled until almost the end. As far as Dustin goes, I feel like his family issues were clear, but his unhappiness at work was something I was not understanding. After everything is out in the open and decisions are being made for changes in their lives, I was more comfortable with how their relationship was going because I understood them both better. But until then, I sort of felt like I was only getting partial information from both of them and that had me confused at times, and not able to fully grasp the difficulty they were each facing with certain issues.

But even with all of that, there were things that I loved, and times I think the story shines brightest. Dustin and Wes chatting, talking, and really getting to know each other were moments I coveted. And sure, they have seriously hot and kinky sex, and those moments of intimacy are fantastic. But it’s those other moments when they are free to care for one another and talk like any other couple that I found the most promising. I loved that it was so very clear to me, and to them, that they loved each other. It’s plain as day how much they care for one another, and how much the struggle of their secret relationship is hard on them both. And as much as that tension and angst were driving me crazy, there were a couple of times when it really drove home just how much they cared, and how deeply.

I also loved checking in with Dylan and Apollo! See, those two are my favorites and since Dustin is Dylan’s brother and Apollo’s best friend, it was really fun to get a little glimpse into how their lives are going, and to see just how they reacted to news that Dustin was going to give them. So much fun.

So while this might not be my favorite, I did enjoy it. I’m looking forward to more in this series and hopefully checking in with Dustin and Wes to see just how well they’re doing.

I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Two smoking hot Navy Seals, a forbidden love affair and some kink thrown in all in Annabeth Albert style, YES PLEASE! Dustin and Wes are two men who are not supposed to meet and fall for each other, but thanks to an app, they’ve found each other. What started as an online friendship and then a hookup unexpectedly turns into so much more for these two.

I’m a big fan of Annabeth’s books, I love her characters and stories and this book is no different. There is fantastic chemistry and connection between these two and I totally fell for these two! These are two men who absolutely value their careers in the military, who had no intention of things going that far, but Wes and Dustin cannot stay away from each other. Their connection is just undeniable.

This is one of those stories where the characters are just meant to be, you can just feel it. Life says they aren’t supposed to be together, but nope that’s just not true. Between their passion for their careers and their kinky sides that align so perfectly, Wes and Dustin are absolutely supposed to make it. Another great read from Annabeth Albert that just makes you feel and fall in love!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Bisexuality, health issues

Dustin and Wes' story was, for me, a little more of what each of the previous books was.

Both of the characters were looking for a connection, but neither really knew what they wanted.

For Dustin, this connection was more for him since he was used to flirting and being with women. But despite having a lot of support from other gay soldiers, he was reluctant to tell them that he was bisexual. It had more to do with his own insecurities, than knowing he was going to be given crap for it.

Then you have Wes. He has a family life that most people would envy. Despite having a sister with health issues, he is kept in the loop by his folks and goes to see his sister, Sam, as often as he can. Wes is also amazing at his job and really loves it, but he does not want to sacrifice his family for his job.

What follows is an officer and enlisted romance that is forbidden, hard to ignore, and results in a lot of back and forth between the main characters – is someone going to sacrifice? Do they just ignore each other?

I enjoyed these characters but felt that their story was just too similar to the others. I would have liked a different story. But despite that, the characters had good chemistry and a great relationship.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and we get glimpses of previous characters, most especially Dylan and Apollo. It centres round Dustin, a SEAL officer, and Wes, who is initially his cyber 'friend with benefits,' until they meet up for real.

When fate results in them working together – but in an officer-enlisted man role – then the reality of the inappropriateness of their connection shocks them, and causes a push-pull situation, with both of them unable to reconcile their feelings with their duty. It was particularly challenging given how closely they have to work together, which is a different dynamic to other similar themed stories that I have read. Throw in family issues, dealing with accepting, and being open about being bisexual, and this is a really good read.

My only issue is with the layout when the two men are conversing over their phone app. It just keeps going, without any clear indication of what is being sent to each other, what is thought, and who says what. It comes over as a stream of thought, but lots of it is conversation. I chose to just go with it and hope that I separated out the right voice and thought from the other – but it would have been better for me if there had been clearer editing. I have found that I am probably happiest if the written conversations are on separate lines and in italics. Then thoughts can wrap around that more effectively and there is no place for doubt.

If you enjoy SEAL romances with a degree of forbidden, a lot of first experiences, and part of a great series, then you are in for a treat.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I have really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. I loved the whole texting and app part, I felt we got more "conversation" then just what the guys were thinking. I hate having pages and pages of inner monologue. I liked the thrill of Dustin and Wes maybe being caught. Let me tell you, the sex was H.O.T. I loved the ending and I hope to see more of them in the next book to see what happens next with them. I did like seeing Apollo and some other fellas from previous books too, that was a bonus.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Dustin and Wes agree to meet in person after months of chat online. They have an amazing night together, which is cut short when Wes is called to work. The next time they meet is when Wes is transferred to Dustin's SEAL team, shocking them both.

The sexy side of Wes and Dustin's relationship is hot, kinky, and delicious. I couldn't get enough of it. That combined with their growing emotional connection and the fact that the rules regarding fraternisation mean that these guys are not supposed to be involved at all, pulled me right into their angsty, complicated lives. I loved these guys and while I knew where I wanted their relationship to go, I wasn't sure how, or even if, they'd get there.

When Wheels Up drew to a close, I felt like we could easily have another book from Wes and Dustin, or maybe even a spin-off series (hint hint, Ms. Albert). I'd like more Dustin and Wes please.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
The chemistry between Wes and Dustin in this story is electric from the moment they first meet. Dustin’s nerves are a perfect complement for Wes’ confidence.

It is only when Wes and Dustin realise that Dustin is an officer, Wes is an enlisted man, and they are going to be working together on the same team that things become complicated.

The angst that runs through this story is absolutely heartbreaking. The sadness that both men stoically endure as they attempt to keep an honourable distance is awful. They both battle to stick to the military’s fraternisation rules even when the rules are painful.

There are several moments in this story when the realist in me worried that Dustin’s attachment to Wes was putting the team’s lives in danger. But the romantic in me found it sweet. I loved the friendship and support Wes and Dustin offer each other. And ultimately, it is this sense of partnership, not the sexual connection, that made me fully invest in this ill-advised relationship.

Beyond the romance, I really enjoyed the military action in this book. It is an exciting read and I loved the details of Wes’ explosives work and the tasks Dustin’s team undertakes.

After so much angst, the ending possibly feels a little bit too easy, but I loved these men and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.

I love the series and found Wheels up to be an enjoyable read. I love reading about Military men and the power exchanges they face both in and outside the bedroom.
Wes and Dustin are no exceptions. The story flowed well and kept me entertained. Once these men knew what and who was important they didn't hesitate.

I revived a copy for a honest review

*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•`"Their love is forbidden, but their hearts aren't listening to rules and regulations." ~Author

"And I'm already gone over you." ~Wes

How do you survive when the one person you want, crave, need, is all wrong for you? How do you go from hi, hello to knowing one wrong move, one wrong action can have you court marshaled? I could not wait for this book, and yet I waited for the nth moment to read it, and believe me, I could not put this book down. I am totally gone on this book. Edge of my seat, will they be found out? Who will walk away first? Will I survive?

Dustin Strauss was SEAL, bi, and oh, so submissive. He was also Wes' boss, the one man he should not even be thinking about. When the two met finally after months of chatting online, neither realised that life and fate was about to through them a curve ball.

Wes Lowe, though younger, brought much to the relationship. He was the voice of reason... sometimes. He was the dominant that Dustin sorted. He was also willing to go out on a limb for the man who was his superior.

Tear me from limb to limb and grace me with so much angst, so much want and need. With so much going on: Wes's sister's medical situation, Dustin trying to come to terms with his sexuality finally and his need for his subordinate. There was also the fact that they could be found out, yet these men were reluctant to let it all go.

If you like military romance with drama and a side of oomph, then one click the fourth book in this series, and do as Dustin asked of Wes... "Believe in us."

I absolutely loved this. Wheels Up you don't really have to read the other stories, but it helps. This was a really hot military romance story with your atypical roles, which I absolutely love also because it just breaks the stereotypes. I loved all the romance and the general progression of the story and its characters. For some the fact that most of the story takes place in the same settings might be a turn off, but I felt it helped and was critical to the development and problems with Dustin and Wes' relationships. Being in the military is the problem with their relationship so I don't mind that the setting is part of the external conflict.

Wes is Dustin's subordinate, but in the bedroom it is a very story. The two of them together are hot and fully of kinky goodness. I had an issue with the text format when they were texting/chatting with each other digitally. It made it hard to recognize that they weren't talking to each other directly, or in their own heads. Still a great story.

This story was about as close to perfect as it gets. The characters were good men, their interactions kinky and sexy as hell, and their relationship emotional and from the heart. I loved every second of this book and couldn’t put it down.

We’ve gotten snippets of Dustin in the previous books in the series, but we’ve never gotten to know him like we do here. As the brother and best friend to men in a relationship with one another, you would think that Dustin would be comfortable with the realization that he himself is bisexual. But pressure that he has put on himself won’t let him be truly open to those he loves. Exploring this part of himself online, the Navy SEAL meets up with another soldier on a dating ap, and an online relationship develops.

When Wes suggests that he and Dustin meet IRL, neither of them are prepared for the chemistry between them. Chemistry which Ms. Albert has captured so beautifully and simply emanates off of the page. The scenes between Wes and Dustin are melt-your-Kindle hot and arousing, and yet at the same time sweet and touching.

But in the military, things are not as simple as they seem, and when Wes is transferred and winds up working under Dustin, the non-fraternization policy in effect turns what was a burgeoning relationship into one that is forbidden. However, neither men can deny the feelings that they have for one another, and as the reader, I desperately didn’t want them to. I loved everything about these two men and I wanted with all of my heart for them to find a way to have a happily ever after.

There was so much about this story that I found intriguing and enjoyable. I loved reading about the military aspect and the structure surrounding their lives. I loved seeing Dustin’s best friend and brother, Apollo and Dylan, and how their lives were going. And I loved the kink. I found it so interesting that the author posed the man with the higher rank and the more imposing physique as the more submissive partner in bed, and the way it simply worked.

My only criticism was the ending. Without revealing anything, I wish that I could have had everything wrapped up tighter than it was. The ending had a sense of realism that I feel was completely in line with the story. Yet, I wish I could had a pretty little epilogue sitting there waiting for me.

With this one exception which was my own preference and not a flaw in the story, I absolutely loved this book. For any fans of M/M stories, this series is fabulous and one that is not to be missed, and Wheels Up is my favorite so far. There is no way not to like anything this steamy and sweet.

I have been really enjoying this series, each of the books either getting four or five stars from me but I must say that this story of Dustin and Wes has to be my favorite. I absolutely loved this book. Dustin and Wes met online through the Joe4Joe app and began a sexting, video chatting from the neck down while getting busy, etc. but they have never met in person and that was because they were on opposite coasts, Wes on the East Coast (North Carolina) and Dustin on the West Coast (California) that was until Dustin had to fly to Washington, D.C. for a dinner so he and Wes decided to meet and see where things took them.

I was wondering how Annabeth would get things to work out between the two but I shouldn't have because where there's a will there's a way! There were a couple of parts that had me holding my breath worried on how things were going to turn out, and I must admit there were tears shed during a few parts as well. There were some cameo appearances from past couples but the most prominent past couple was Apollo and Dylan (Dustin's younger brother) whom were married during the course of this book, I am looking forward to reading "I Do" to get the full story of the wedding because we only get a little glimpse of it here.

Things aren't easy for Dustin and Wes and there is a lot of sneaking around and I will admit that it made there relationship even hotter for me, it added another layer to their story. As I mentioned before Wes and Dustin are definitely my favorite couple of the series to date, but only time will tell if they continue to hold that coveted spot.

My 3.5/4 star review is already up on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2157140900?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

It will be posted on blog and social media on release date and links will be updated. LINKS UPDATED 11/6/17

3.5/4 stars
We have met Dustin Strauss as he is Dylan's older brother and Apollo's best friend (At Attention). Dustin is bisexual but keeps that a secret from everyone. The only person he really talks about it with is his online chat buddy in a military hook up app.

Wes Lowe has been his online friend and cyber sexual partner for months. He has his own reasons for why he has been invested in this online relationship. But now they are going to get to actually meet up over a weekend. One is bossy in the bedroom and thrives on the control, while the other finds release in submission. And they are a safe place to test their boundaries. They have a much-too-short, great time full of friendship, sexual tension, and chemistry.

But once it ends, it is back to online only...until Wes gets transferred and everything changes. The Navy has a fraternization rule between officers and enlisted men so their burgeoning romance and even friendship is forbidden. But their hearts and minds do not want to agree.

Their connection and chemistry are separated first by distance and then by circumstances and rules. We has a lot of struggles due to family issues and the changes in his life. And Dustin worries about his own secrets and the repercussions of any sort of relationship. But they crave each other and need each other in a way that makes it hard to follow the rules. Their levels of power are totally different at work vs. in the bedroom. This is also a journey of self discovery and firsts for each of them as they explore what they like and need with someone who is patient, understands, and cares enough to experience new things together. Trust. Guilt. Fear. Regrets. Need. Want. Rules. It all seems impossible.

It is told in dual points of view and my heart hurt for both of them. They really needed someone to understand and to be able to be their true selves with. They were so good together in every way, but barriers were firmly planted in their way. And they also both have dangerous jobs to do and distractions can only interfere. But how much will they have to sacrifice for their career and country?

This was an angsty, steamy, forbidden military romance with friendship, firsts, frustrations, and fears that they may never get a real chance. It frustrated me often too and sometimes I would find myself distracted. I am not surrounded by military so the serious fraternization rules seemed over the top to me, but they are apparently that serious in real military life. There was a lot of repetition of coming together for sexy times and emotional needs, pushing away, guilt, rinse and repeat. Also Dustin's secrecy about his sexuality just seemed a bit flimsy considering his friends and brother were gay or bisexual. So the indecision and issues got a bit tired. But I liked Wes and Dustin together, and was hoping there could be some way to make it work. I would have liked a bit more of an ending, but hopefully we will see more of them in the next book.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Storyline: 5
Angst: 4
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss has kept his bi-sexuality a secret from everyone including his family. Feeling a little more adventurous, he’s been using a military hookup app to chat and lately video with no face shots or names. Well, video one guy. When a meeting takes him to DC, the other guy offers to meet in person. Petty Officer Wes Lowe figures it won’t hurt to meet one time and see how it goes with this Marine. He has no idea Dustin is a Navy Seal. JUST LIKE WES. After the meet up, Wes ends up on the same seal team reporting to Dustin. Of course, this means no more chats or any type of personal relationship. Can the two ignore the growing attraction and feelings or will they lose their navy careers fighting to stay together.

“It’s you. It’s always been you. There was something in his body that recognized Dustin on a deep, cellular level, and he wasn’t ever going to get over that, no matter how wrong these feelings were. No. Not the feelings. The feelings were real, and anything this fucking potent couldn’t be wrong. Fuck the regulations. I can’t let go.”

I had a hard time putting this book down. Both Dustin and Wes drew me in pretty quickly and I couldn’t believe the twist life handed them. Even though I knew the serious situation they were in, the back and forth started driving me a little crazy. I felt like the brainstorming of how they could be together was something that two smart Navy Seals could work out. I know they aren’t the best communicators. And can I just add, the power exchange kink was HOT. Loved seeing the strong officer Dustin let Wes guide him in the bedroom. This series is definitely one of my favorites.

It also was nice to see Dustin come clean to his best friend and brother. And the cameos from the other guys in the series really rounded out the book for me. I really don’t want this series to end.

This pains me to write this. But... I’m on the fence with this one.
I have to say i'm 50/50 with this book.
With all the internal thinking going on with both characters. And all the angst going on in this book. It just had a totally different feel than the other books in this series. And I have to be honest here. It took me awhile to warm up to Dustin.

I really liked Wes character. He loved his family and he really went all out with Dustin. He knew what he needed and he never pushed Dustin to far. He knew he needed to go slow with him. And I really liked that about him.

Dustin... I hated how wishy washy he was with Wes.
I get the whole fraternization between these two characters was a big part of this story. But... I just hated how Dustin always felt guilty and pushed away Wes. And the whole Dom/sub thing. I guess I just had to be in the mood for it. Because it was ok. But not really what I wanted to read. It just all felt too choreographed the sex scenes. Like it had to be tied to a fantasy. Instead of just happening naturally. In my opinion there was only 2 scene that I felt they came together naturally. I’m not saying the other times they were together weren’t hot. It just felt too scripted.

Overall I thought this book was ok. It wasn’t my favorite of the series but it was still an ok read.
I really loved how we get a little more in this book with Dylan and Apollo!